ED Summons Shikhar Dhawan in Betting App Investigation

Quick Summary

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for questioning in a money laundering case linked to an alleged illegal betting app, 1xBet.
• Dhawan, aged 39, reportedly has connections to the app through endorsements.
• His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• the ED is conducting investigations into various cases involving illegal betting apps accused of defrauding people and evading taxes worth crores.
• Last month, former cricketer Suresh Raina was also questioned by the ED in relation to this case.
• Real-money online gaming has been recently banned by legislation introduced by the Union government.

Indian Opinion Analysis
the summoning of former cricketers like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina highlights serious concerns surrounding celebrity endorsements and their potential links to financial irregularities in India’s digital economy. By probing cases related to illegal betting apps such as 1xBet, authorities aim to curb both monetary fraud and tax evasion within an increasingly scrutinized sector. Recent government actions banning real-money online gaming further reflect India’s effort toward regulating high-risk financial activities tied to digital platforms-a move crucial for safeguarding user interests and enhancing fiscal accountability.

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